BROOKLYN, N.Y. – In the second game of the day from Brooklyn, Iowa outlasted Temple 72-70 in overtime. The game saw Temple overcome a double-digit second-half deficit. They forced overtime as Quenton DeCosey hit three free throws with seconds remaining in regulation.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Coach Jay Wright knew all too well. UNC Asheville of the Big South was a young team and as conference champion, one capable of inflicting damage. The challenging part of coaching is relaying that same information home to your players. In that context, Wright had helping hands in seniors Ryan Arcidiacono and Daniel Ochefu.

“They told our players constantly that Asheville is a talented team” Wright said of his senior leaders following Villanova’s 86-56 victory in the opening round of the NCAA at Barclays Center. “They told our kids ‘you don’t bring your ‘A’ game especially this time of year,’ you are going home.”

Have you seen this person? A physical description isn’t available, but we know some characteristics that might help.

He could be any height or weight. He has a plethora of experience – more than most of his peers, in fact – and plenty of maturity. He is a better player than he was four years ago, proving he can get better, and he is probably more ready to help someone right now than he was back then. The other distinguishing feature is that he’s probably being discounted by those evaluating him, and on a big night in late June, suddenly goes missing.

Welcome to the latest edition of Talking Hoops with Ted Sarandis. Here, we look into the NCAA Tournament selections and some surrounding items.

March is the best month of basketball because of the NCAA Tournament, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be better. Here, we touch on some of the issues surrounding this year’s selections both in terms of who is in and who is out, as well as seeding. In addition, we also touch on some surrounding issues like the conference championship games, as well as the Selection Show itself.

Two days into the 2015 NCAA Tournament have felt kind of like trying to start up the family roadster after she’s been sitting idle in the garage for a couple years. It’s taking a little time to get the engine warmed up, but slowly it’s getting back up to speed.

Both games of the First Four Wednesday night were hardly works of art, but both also were close games as Holy Cross edged Southern 59-55 and Michigan squeezed past Tulsa 67-62. In the end, the finishes were pretty good, and all things considered we’ll take it as opposed to the alternative. … Continue Reading

The last we saw of Vanderbilt this season is bound to leave a sour taste in the mouths of not just its fans, but virtually everyone who follows college basketball and expected so much of the Commodores this year.

Just the same, it should also leave NCAA Tournament selection committee members with a serious case of bitter beer face, too.

Vanderbilt’s 70-50 loss to Wichita State in a play-in game in Dayton (the “First Four”, you’ll be reminded) was not quite as ugly as the final score indicated, but it was close. The Commodores never led in the second half, fell behind by 11 points but crawled back within two, only to finish the game on the wrong end of a 20-2 run over the final 7 1/2 minutes. The meltdown was punctuated with three minutes left when coach Kevin Stallings picked up a technical foul, and Vandy finished the season with a 19-14 record well below expectations when the season began.… Continue Reading

The exciting run to the Northeast Conference championship cannot be taken from Fairleigh Dickinson University. On Tuesday evening in Dayton, it was good (Kn)night. Florida Gulf Coast dominated the Knights to move on with a date against North Carolina on Tuesday.

FGCU’s offensive efficiency was 120 and highlighted by a 26 of 34 (.765) shooting percentage inside the arc. FDU was 81 in offensive efficiency and struggled to find the range all night. The Knights shot better from three than two-point range, as they hit 8 of 23 (.348) from downtown and 15 for 47 (.319) inside. A silver lining if one can be found, lie in turnover percentage. FDU forced the opposition into a 23 percent TO rate while committing turnovers themselves at just an 11 percent rate.

March is always a month where players emerge from the shadows, with some being more memorable than others. Some end up being one-hit wonders, while for others, it’s just the beginning of their notoriety. All the same, though, March brings both players and casual fans out of the shadows, and it’s the best month of basketball.

This year, more than any in recent memory, we have been reminded of this. And as the NCAA Tournament beckons, this idea fits in even better than usual. More players will emerge under the bright lights, and some already have.

March is always a month where players emerge from the shadows, with some being more memorable than others. Some end up being one-hit wonders, while for others, it’s just the beginning of their notoriety. All the same, though, March brings both players and casual fans out of the shadows, and it’s the best month of basketball.

This year, more than any in recent memory, we have been reminded of this. And as the NCAA Tournament beckons, this idea fits in even better than usual. More players will emerge under the bright lights, and some already have.

This year, the NCAA Tournament bubble seemed as big as it’s ever been, and also with as little separation from one team to the next as ever. College basketball had a lot of even-ness this season, and it was especially manifest when looking at teams that were hardly locks for the NCAA Tournament. You could make compelling cases for numerous teams compared to others, and as is so often the case, the final bracket showed a gulf in the perception between those on the NCAA Tournament Selection Committee and those not on it – the latter camp featuring the media and the general public.

It is precisely this even-ness that should ensure a great three weeks to come. In light of how close so many of these teams are, a lot of games will be called “upsets” that won’t really be upsets. It is in that spirit that I hope that term does not get used very liberally.

Gonzaga might have needed the West Coast Conference title they won in Las Vegas last year in order to be in the NCAA Tournament. With better guards, there should be no doubt about that this time around.

The Big 12 has been on a great run to be the top conference in recent years, including last year. This year will be a challenge due to a big loss of experience throughout the conference.

Hoopville Archives

Hoopville Archives

College Basketball Books

Everybody Needs a Head Coach

Former college basketball coach Mike Jarvis has a new book out, Everybody Needs a Head Coach.

"As you read this book, I hope that Coach Jarvis' experiences inspire you to find your purpose in life."-Patrick Ewing, NBA Hall of Fame center

"Mike Jarvis' is one of my special friends. I am so pleased that he has taken the time to write this fabulous book."-Mike Krzyzewski, Five-time NCAA championship head coach, Duke Blue Devils

"In reading this book, I can see that Mike hasn't lost his edge or his purpose. Readers should take a look at what he has to say."-Jim Calhoun, Three-time NCAA champion, UConn Men's basketball

Review on Hoopville coming soon!

Coaching Changes and NBA Draft Early Entrants

The coaching carousel is moving. Keep track of the latest coaching changes right here on Hoopville.

Also, keep track of players who have declared early for the NBA Draft.

College Basketball Tonight

We hope you enjoyed COLLEGE BASKETBALL TONIGHT during the 2016 NCAA Tournament. COLLEGE BASKETBALL TONIGHT is a comprehensive look at the NCAA Tournament hosted by veteran college basketball broadcaster Ted Sarandis, along with co-hosts Mike Jarvis and Terry O'Connor, both former Division I coaches. It also included many great guests, including Hoopville's own Phil Kasiecki.

The show aired on AM 710 WOR in New York City on Sunday evenings starting with Selection Sunday and running through the NCAA Tournament.